Resolution Reaffirming Support for Students and Employees

Resolution No. 1-S Before the Governing Board of the Contra Costa Community College
District (January 25, 2017)

Reaffirming support of Contra Costa Community College District students and employees
in defense of diversity and inclusion in the Contra Costa Community College District

Whereas, the mission of the Contra Costa Community College District is to "transform lives
by providing outstanding learning opportunities, nurturing and empowering all students
to achieve their educational goals";

Whereas, equity through diversity is one of Contra Costa Community College District's most
defining values as we strive "to provide every student-regardless of race, gender,
economic status, birthplace, or style of learning-a launching pad to achieve their
dreams";

Whereas, the Contra Costa Community College District community is powerfully diverse, with
students, staff, faculty, and administrators all hailing from a wide range of ethnic,
racial, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds with each community member bringing
a unique set of experiences, perspectives, skills, and knowledge;

Whereas, leaders in higher education across our nation cite the "moral imperative" and "national
necessity" in supporting undocumented immigrant students, including those who are
recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA");

Whereas, in the wake of the recent presidential election, the Contra Costa Community College
District is fully aware and concerned that there is great fear and uncertainty for
many we serve;

Whereas, the California Community Colleges are open to all students who meet the minimum
requirements for admission, regardless of immigration status;

Whereas, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office has reaffirmed that it will
not release personally identifiable student information, including any data related
to immigration status, without a judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order, unless
authorized by a student or required by law;

Whereas, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office has further reaffirmed that
it will not cooperate with any federal effort to create a registry of individuals
based on any protected characteristics, such as religion, national origin, race, or
sexual orientation and recommends that local community college districts adhere to
the same principle;

Be It Resolved, that the Contra Costa Community College District police will not detain, question,
or arrest any individual solely on the basis of undocumented immigration status, whether
actual or suspected;

Be It Further Resolved, absent any applicable laws, no Contra Costa Community College District employee,
including police, has the authority to enforce federal immigration laws and, accordingly,
shall not participate in any immigration enforcement efforts of federal authorities;

Be It Further Resolved, the Contra Costa Community College District shall create and implement a policy
clarifying that any request made by federal immigration enforcement authorities to
access a campus or information regarding a student shall be immediately forwarded
to the Chancellor or designee who will review and respond in consultation with the
District's legal counsel;

Be It Further Resolved, the Contra Costa Community College District will not cooperate with any effort,
federal or otherwise, to create a registry of individuals based on any legally protected
characteristics, such as religion, national origin, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
or gender identity;

Be It Further Resolved, the Contra Costa Community College District will not release any personally identifiable
student information, including any data related to immigration status, without a judicial
warrant, subpoena or, court order, unless authorized by the student or required by
law;

Be It Further Resolved, that the Contra Costa Community College District will make available strictly confidential
counseling services for undocumented students, including DACA recipients, employees,
and their families;

Be It Further Resolved, the Contra Costa Community College District will increase and strengthen partnerships
with trusted community-based and legal services organizations with the objective of
providing legal and other resources to students and their families facing adverse
immigration enforcement actions;

Be It Further Resolved, the Contra Costa Community College District will continue to promote an atmosphere
of respect for all students and employees and denounce and address hate speech directed
at students and/or employees, including immigrants, people of color, Muslims, individuals
with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and members of other protected groups;

Be It Further Resolved, the Contra Costa Community College District will support community education and
professional development to foster an inclusive learning environment focused on eliminating
bias and discrimination and highlighting existing resources for reporting and responding
to bias or hate incidents;

Now, Therefore, Be It Further Resolved, the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board recognizes its responsibility
to advocate for educational opportunities for all students in the community college
system, regardless of immigration status, at the federal, state, and local levels
and will do so accordingly.